CarMax, Inc. (KMX) vs LKQ Corporation (LKQ)
LKQ leads on 11 of 14 compared metrics.
A side-by-side comparison of CarMax, Inc. and LKQ Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 28, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).
Total return — KMX vs LKQ
growth of $100 · last 23yKMX +198.2%LKQ +1337.8%LKQ compounded faster
KMX LKQ
KMX vs LKQ: by the numbers
- •KMX is the larger company ($7.49B vs $6.89B market cap).
- •LKQ trades at the lower earnings multiple (13.45 vs 32.77 P/E).
- •LKQ converts more revenue to profit (3.71% vs 0.84% net margin).
- •LKQ grew revenue faster over the past five years (3.37% vs 2.39% CAGR).
- •LKQ pays a dividend (4.44% yield) while KMX does not currently pay one.
Which is better, KMX or LKQ?
Metric tally: KMX 3 · LKQ 11It depends on what you're optimizing for:
ValueLKQ(lower P/E)
GrowthLKQ(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityLKQ(higher ROIC)
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | KMX | LKQ |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 32.77 | 13.45● |
| Forward P/E | 19.58 | 9.10● |
| P/S ratio | 0.28● | 0.50 |
| P/B ratio | 1.23 | 1.07● |
| PEG ratio | — | 5.90 |
| EV / EBITDA | — | 8.31 |
| FCF yield | 13.26%● | 11.68% |
Profitability
| Metric | KMX | LKQ |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 10.24% | 37.68%● |
| Operating margin | -1.85% | 7.30%● |
| Net margin | 0.84% | 3.71%● |
| ROE | 3.64% | 8.00%● |
| ROIC | -1.10% | 6.60%● |
Dividends
| Metric | KMX | LKQ |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | — | 4.44% |
| Payout ratio | — | 51.06% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | KMX | LKQ |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 2.39% | 3.37%● |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | -18.18% | 2.28%● |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 13.85%● | -12.79% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | -16.16% | -9.21%● |
Frequently asked
- Which is better, KMX or LKQ?
- It depends on your goal. value: LKQ (lower P/E); growth: LKQ (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: LKQ (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, LKQ leads 11 to 3.
- Is KMX or LKQ cheaper?
- On trailing earnings, LKQ is cheaper: KMX trades at a 32.77 P/E and LKQ at 13.45.
- Which has grown faster, KMX or LKQ?
- Over the past five years, LKQ grew revenue faster — KMX at a 2.39% CAGR versus LKQ at 3.37%.
- Does KMX or LKQ pay a bigger dividend?
- LKQ pays a dividend (4.44% yield) while KMX does not currently pay one.
- Is KMX or LKQ more profitable?
- LKQ runs the higher net margin — KMX at 0.84% versus LKQ at 3.71%.
- Which has been the better investment, KMX or LKQ?
- Over the past 10-year, KMX delivered the higher annualized total return — KMX at 1.31% versus LKQ at -0.09%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
CarMax P/E ratioLKQ P/E ratioCarMax dividend yieldLKQ dividend yieldCarMax ROELKQ ROECarMax operating marginLKQ operating marginCarMax revenue growthLKQ revenue growthCarMax free cash flowLKQ free cash flow
CarMax & LKQ appear in these rankings
Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified June 28, 2026.